Weekend Ag News Round-up - April 16

Considerations for Planting into Dry Conditions
Jenny Rees - Extension Educator
Steve Melvin - Extension Educator Irrigated Cropping Systems
Amit Jhala - Extension Weed Management Specialist
Javed Iqbal - Extension Nutrient Management and Water Quality Specialist
Nicolás Cafaro La Menza – Cropping Systems Specialist

As of April 12, 2023, the Nebraska Drought Monitor shows 98% of Nebraska in moderate to exceptional drought (D1-D4). With planting being critical for everything else that happens during the growing season, the dry conditions have led to a variety of questions this planting season. This article will work through the questions we’ve received.

Agronomic Considerations
Soil Conditions
This is perhaps the most critical component to planting because soil conditions set the stage for the decisions we make regarding planter adjustments, which crop is planted and planting depth. The winter allowed for freeze/thaw and the mellowing of soils in some areas. One difference going into the 2023 growing season compared to the 2022 growing season is that in 2022, much of the state had more subsoil moisture from some fall rains. In 2023, we have had several small precipitation events since the first of the year, but little to fully recharge the subsoil moisture. Thus, the surface soil should be better to plant into, depending on how winds impact those conditions. When planting into drier conditions, increased down pressure is most likely necessary; however, be careful of causing any sidewall compaction.

Soil Moisture, Temperature and Planting Depth
Corn needs to absorb 35% of its weight in moisture to complete the imbibition (water-uptake) phase of germination. When adequate soil moisture is available, this typically occurs within 48 hours. Soybean needs to absorb 50% of its weight in moisture to complete the imbibition process. When adequate soil moisture is available, recent research has shown imbibition can occur anywhere from eight to 24 hours. Once imbibition has occurred, soybean seeds enter an osmotic phase and are quite tolerant of soil temps as low as 35-40°F, although extended low soil temperatures can be expected to lengthen the germination to emergence timeframe.

In general, we’d recommend planting into soil temperatures as close to 50°F as possible and when the forecast is calling for warm temperatures the next few days, as that would also help increase the soil temperature. Avoid planting prior to a cold snap (cold rain/snow) within eight to 24 hours for soybean and 48 hours for corn. You can take soil temperatures using a thermometer or you can view soil temperatures on CropWatch. Also be aware that soil moisture can help buffer soil temperatures, reducing larger swings.

How does soil moisture impact planting depth? Research has consistently shown the need for corn to be planted at least 1.5 to two inches deep. UNL showed best soybean yields were obtained by planting at a 1.75-inch depth. So, the short answer — aiming for close to two inches is a good consideration for both corn and soybean. Planting shallower than 1.5 inches leads to more impacts on root development in corn, such as rootless corn syndrome. Proper seeding depth for soybean helps keep that seed in buffered soil moisture and temperature when planted early. It also aids that seedling from emerging too early.

Ensuring a good soil-seed contact is key to emergence success. When seeds fall into an air pocket or rows are not well closed, the imbibition phase can be interrupted or never occur. Digging up some seeds when starting planting to check for proper soil-seed contact and moisture around the seed and regulating the planter accordingly is advised.

Uniform emergence is more important for corn than soybean. Because of this, Rob Nielsen, emeritus extension agronomist at Purdue shares, “When seedbed conditions are dry, make sure you choose a seeding depth that ensures uniformly adequate soil moisture for (corn) germination and emergence. Even though a 1.5- to two-inch seeding depth is a good choice for many conditions, do not hesitate to increase seeding depth to 2.5 or three inches if that is the depth where uniform soil moisture is located.” When it comes to soybean, we wouldn’t recommend planting much deeper than 2.5 inches.

Seeding Rates
For corn seeding rates, it’s best to check with your local seed dealer as all our research shows that optimal corn population varies by hybrid. For those concerned about moisture in non-irrigated or limited-irrigated situations, one may consider using a hybrid with higher flex at a reduced seeding rate.

For soybean, our recommendation after 16 years of on-farm research studies (2006-2022) in heavier textured soils and 30-inch rows continues to be: plant 120,000 seeds/acre, aim for a final plant stand of 100,000 plants/acre and you’ll save money without reducing yields. If that’s too scary, try reducing your rate to 140,000 seeds/acre or try testing it for yourself via on-farm research!

Herbicide Considerations
PPO inhibitors are an effective chemistry often used for pre-emergence application in soybean. The different PPO-inhibiting active ingredients, products and timing restrictions can be reviewed in this article https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2020/timing-critical-applying-ppo-inhibiting-pre-emergence-residual-herbicides-soybean. Soybean injury can occur in situations where the seed/germinating seed comes in contact with the PPO-inhibiting herbicide and via water splash onto the emerged soybean hypocotyl and cotyledons.

Some considerations to reduce injury to soybean include:
Do NOT apply a PPO inhibitor herbicide if the seed vee is not closed, the soil is cracking along the seed trench or the soybean is beginning to emerge or has already emerged. Another option if one is concerned about PPO inhibitor injury is to consider using a Group 15 herbicide (such as acetochlor, pyroxasulfone, etc.) for residual in a post-emergence application once the soybean has emerged. Remember that residual herbicides applied post-emergence do not have foliar activity, so they will not control emerged weeds but would prevent the emergence of new weeds.
Do not plant soybean shallow (less than 1.5 inches), particularly if the soil at seeding depth is dry. If a PPO inhibitor is applied in these conditions, it can allow the soybean to imbibe water with the herbicide in it, particularly if a rain and/or irrigation event occurs after application.
If soybean is planted into moisture, herbicide can be applied within a few days and watered in as long as the seed vee is closed and no soil cracking of the trench is occurring.

Irrigation Considerations
Irrigating Prior to Crop Planting
In general, we would only suggest watering before planting if the planter needs higher soil moisture levels to work well. So, if the soil is too hard, too powdery or cloddy, it may be worth running the pivot. Another situation to consider pre-watering is if greater than 180 lb/ac anhydrous ammonia was applied in a strip with less than two inches of moisture received since application to help reduce ammonia burn to the corn. Otherwise, our recommendation is to run the pivot after you plant if needed.

Irrigation Considerations Early in the Year
Running center pivots early in the season do have some extra challenges. First, keep in mind cold nights. The usual recommendation is not to run a pivot when temperatures are below 40 degrees. Last year, several pivots were operated below 40 degrees without problem, but keep in mind with low dewpoints the pivot can ice up when the actual air temperature is well above 32. So, if you do choose to run in these conditions, keep a close eye out for ice buildup.

Secondly, bare, powdery soils will seal over very easily from rain or irrigation, so keep an eye out for runoff problems even with fairly low application amounts. And thirdly, make sure if you do irrigate that you put on enough to get water down to the moist soil below. This is particularly a problem with tillage or where fertilizer knives have been used and dried the soil out.

Irrigating for Herbicide Activation
It’s important that herbicides are activated with 0.5- to 0.75-inch of rainfall or irrigation, preferentially between five to seven days after herbicide application. If moisture received is less than this amount, some herbicide products have the potential to remain on the soil for up to 14 days without being fully activated. We will have to see how the high winds blowing soil and removing soil particles containing herbicide impact future weed control.

Irrigating to Reduce Urea Loss
For those who applied dry or liquid urea on the soil surface, particularly without the use of an inhibitor, irrigation of 0.5-inch can help with incorporating the urea into the soil and minimize urea loss. If irrigation is not available, an inhibitor was not used and no rainfall has been received within seven days, monitor the corn crop to determine if nitrogen deficiency occurs due to nitrogen loss. The losses can occur early and be significant if there is high surface crop residue, high soil temperature (>70°F), moist soil, high soil pH (>7.0), or sandier soils while the losses can be lower with dry soil, cooler soil temperature (<70°F), low soil pH (<7.0), bare soil or clayey soils.

Irrigating in Strip-till
Regardless of whether anhydrous was applied in the fall or spring, and regardless of amount applied, ammonia burn may occur due to the dry conditions. Sometimes ammonia burn is seen early with seed germination and emergence. Most often, it is seen when roots get to four to eight inches long and hit the ammonia band. Irrigation can help alleviate the impacts of the ammonia injury.

Irrigating and Cold Water Impacts
John Mick, Pioneer agronomist, shared that water from irrigation wells in the southern part of the state often is around 50-53°F, with it slightly less in temperature as one moves north in the state. These temperatures are not a problem to be concerned with regarding any negative impacts to seeds imbibing water.

Each field situation will vary and we hope these considerations will help as you begin or continue this year’s planting season!



Ag Budget Calculator program team earns top regional honor

The North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center announced that project director Glennis McClure and co-director Cory Walters were awarded the 2023 Outstanding Project Award for the North Central region at the recent Extension Risk Management Education national conference that took place in Chicago.

McClure is a farm and ranch management analyst and Walters is an associate professor of agricultural economics. Both are with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Center for Agricultural Profitability.

The project, "Farm Survival, Understanding the Role of Risk Exposure in Financial Decision Making," focused on creating a module for the new Agricultural Budget Calculator (ABC) program to assist producers with crop insurance scenarios and risk management decisions from crop enterprise budgets. The risk module, along with cost of production and projected annual return information provided by the program, has helped with critical information as producers have faced a rise and fluctuations in input costs along with increased financial risks in the current economic climate. The program's impact is shown by the growth rate of program users, with expectations of further growth as education on the ABC program continues and new features are added, including livestock enterprise budgeting.

"It’s an honor to receive the Regional ERME award for our work on the Risk Module and continued development of the Agricultural Budget Calculator (ABC) program," McClure said. "Producers, educators, students, and ag professionals that have taken the time to learn and use the program for enterprise budgeting are discovering the risk management and decision-making features included in ABC.  It’s proving to be a worthwhile user-friendly resource."

The development team for the program also included Jay Parsons, Larry Van Tassell and Jeremy Eide, all from the Department of Agricultural Economics at Nebraska.



NSB Seeks Project Proposals for FY24 Funding Cycle

The Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) is now accepting proposals for the FY24 funding cycle that strategically align with four initiative areas: Farmer Support, Production & Crop Research, Community Engagement and Demand & Utilization. The funding cycle begins on October 1, 2023, and ends on September 30, 2024.

All project plans should aim to benefit all Nebraska soybean farmers and address opportunities for research, education, promotion, or increasing the demand for soy. Interested parties can view more details on the NSB proposal process, including timelines, initiative areas and strategic plan documents at nebraskasoybeans.org/about/fy24-rfp-process.

“The Nebraska Soybean Board continues to look into opportunities that grow demand for soybeans and add value for Nebraska producers,” said NSB executive director, Andy Chvatal. “Our strategic plan is vital to helping us accomplish our mission of growing value for Nebraska farmers by maximizing their checkoff investments.”

For over three decades, NSB has been dedicating soybean checkoff funds to support Nebraska soybean farmers and the industry as a whole. Previously funded work includes research and promotion of biodiesel, increased exports of red meats, sustainably promoting livestock production in Nebraska, bolstering value of exports through the Pacific Northwest, and education projects focused on the importance of soybeans in Nebraska agriculture.

“If you have a new and innovative idea that aligns with our goals, we encourage you to contact us and see if we can help build a blueprint for success,” said NSB chairman, Doug Saathoff. “It really takes a team to create opportunities for Nebraska soybean farmers and that is a team I am proud to be a part of.”

Proposals will be evaluated on their effectiveness at addressing the needs of Nebraska soybean farmers and the overall alignment with NSB’s current strategic plan.

The deadline for submitting proposals is May 12, 2023. To access the proposal form, please visit: nebraskasoybeans.org/about/fy24-rfp-process.

For additional questions, please contact Andy Chvatal at 402-441-3240 or andy@nebraskasoybeans.org.

About the Nebraska Soybean Board
The nine-member Nebraska Soybean Board collects and disburses the Nebraska share of funds generated by the one-half of one percent times the net sales price per bushel of soybeans sold. Nebraska soybean checkoff funds are invested in research, education, domestic and foreign markets, including new uses for soybeans and soybean products.



NE Corn Board Seeks Proposals

The Nebraska Corn Board’s Communications Committee is accepting request for funding (RFP) proposals for communications programs for the 2023-2024 fiscal year (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024).

The Communications Committee is made up of three members of the Nebraska Corn Board and five members of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. The Communications Committee is coordinated by Jill Parrent, Nebraska Corn Board’s director of communications. The Communications Committee is also advised by the Nebraska Corn Board’s advertising and marketing agency. The committee will review funding requests and proposals in terms of their value in advancing the objectives of the Nebraska Corn Board. The Communications Committee will make recommendations to the entire Nebraska Corn Board as it sets its 2023 - 2024 fiscal year budget.

The deadline for proposals is Monday, May 15, 2023. Please contact Jill Parrent at  402.471.2676 or Jill.Parrent@nebraska.gov if you have questions.



Nebraska Ag Communities Benefit from Behavioral Health Grant   

With historic weather events, financial challenges, and food supply chain issues, agriculture is a stressful career for Nebraska farmers, ranchers and others involved in the industry. To support those in the ag community with behavioral health services, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) applied for and received a grant from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The $559,606 grant, which began in 2021 and extended over a two-year period, increased awareness of Nebraska’s Rural Response Hotline, created a website presence for that trusted resource, and provided professional counseling to many in need.
 
For the grant, NDA worked in partnership with Legal Aid of Nebraska and the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline to support those in our ag community in need of behavioral health assistance.
 
The grant provided:
  - 4,247 free behavioral health counseling sessions.
  - A sixty second PSA that featured Nebraska's Rural Response Hotline and was produced by the Nebraska Rural Radio Association.
  - A website for the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline, https://farmhotline.com/.
  - A logo and marketing materials for the Rural Response Hotline, and outreach and education opportunities promoting the Hotline.

The Rural Response Hotline has been strengthening rural communities in Nebraska since 1984 by providing valuable information and resources in times of crisis. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call 800-464-0258.



Free Farm and Ag Law Clinics Set for April

Free legal and financial clinics are being offered for farmers and ranchers across the state in April. The clinics are one-on-one in-person meetings with an agricultural law attorney and an agricultural financial counselor. These are not group sessions, and they are confidential.

The attorney and financial advisor specialize in legal and financial issues related to farming and ranching, including financial and business planning, transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, debt structure and cash flow, agricultural disaster programs, and other relevant matters. Here is an opportunity to obtain an independent, outside perspective on issues that may be affecting your farm or ranch.

Clinic Dates
Thursday, April 20 — Fairbury
Thursday, April 27 — Norfolk
Friday, April 28 — Valentine

To sign up for a free clinic or to get more information, call the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258. Funding for this work is provided by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska.



ICPB to Hold Director Elections for USDA Crop Reporting Districts 1, 3, 6 & 7

Since 1978, Iowa corn farmers have elected their peers to serve on the Iowa Corn Promotion Board® (ICPB) to oversee the investment of funds generated by the Iowa corn checkoff program.  

On July 11, 2023, corn farmers in crop reporting districts 1, 3, 6 and 7 can vote at their local county ISU extension office for representation on the Iowa Corn Promotion Board. The board’s primary priorities and responsibilities include domestic and foreign market development, research of new and value-added corn uses and education on corn and the farmers who grow it.    

Corn farmers within districts 1, 3, 6 and 7 who have produced and marketed 250 bushels of corn or more in Iowa in the previous marketing year (September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022) and are interested in running for a position may still file a petition with the ICPB. Petitions can be obtained by contacting the Iowa Corn office and must contain the signatures of 25 corn producers from the same district as the prospective director candidate. Completed and notarized petitions must be delivered to the Iowa Corn office no later than 4:30 PM on April 26, 2023. Once all grower petitions have been received, a final list of candidates will be generated, and candidate names will be listed on the election ballots. 

Anyone who has produced and marketed 250 bushels of corn or more in Iowa in the previous marketing year is eligible to vote in the election. Producers unable to visit the local ISU extension office on July 11 can vote by absentee ballot. Absentee ballots can be requested beginning May 24 and must be made no later than June 19 by contacting the Iowa Corn office at 515-225-9242 or on our website at www.iowacorn.org. Absentee ballots must be postmarked or returned to the Iowa Corn office no later than July 11. The results of the election are announced publicly on July 14.    

The current candidates are as follows:

USDA Crop Reporting District 1 (NW)
Joshua Haack, O’Brien County 
Chad Harms, Dickinson County 

USDA Crop Reporting District 3  (NE)
Caleb Hamer, Black Hawk County   
Jason Orr, Buchanan County 

USDA Crop Reporting District 6  (EC)
Mikayla Colehour, Jones County  
Kyle Stahle, Johnson County 

USDA Crop Reporting District 7  (SW)
Darin Proffit, Page County  
Jeff Thomsen, Cass County  

The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB), works to develop and defend markets, fund research, and provide education about corn and corn products. For more information, visit iowacorn.org. 



Iowa Farm Bureau Federation names Christopher Pudenz economics and research manager

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) has named Christopher Pudenz as its economics and research manager.  Pudenz begins his Farm Bureau career on April 17, leading the coordination and management of economic research and analysis for Iowa’s largest general farm organization.  

“We are very excited to have Christopher join our staff to provide expert analysis, research and economic insight on issues and policies impacting agriculture today,” said Marty Schwager, IFBF executive director.  “Integrity of the information we provide to members is critical and Christopher’s farm background, education and experience puts him in a great position to share valuable analysis and insight that will help shape our efforts.”

Pudenz earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Iowa State University (ISU) and a B.A. in Economics from Hillsdale College.  The Carroll, Iowa, native previously served as a research assistant for Dr. Lee Schulz at ISU, publishing several livestock articles and instructing undergraduate agriculture economics courses on campus. His most recent article was published in the peer-reviewed and prestigious American Journal of Agricultural Economics.

“Agriculture is a dynamic industry, and having quality information is essential to make informed decisions. Iowa Farm Bureau has earned a reputation for providing members valuable economic analysis, and I’m excited to continue sharing useful resources and insight into changing markets and policy implications with our members in this role,” Pudenz said.  “It’s an exciting time to work in agriculture, and I look forward to working with IFBF staff and our members.

Pudenz was raised on a family farm in Carroll County, where his family grows corn and soybeans and raises cattle.  Pudenz resides in the Des Moines metro with his wife, Grace.   



Continued Investment in Agricultural Research and Development Supports Iowa Farmers
Rep. Randy Feenstra, Iowa Congressional District 4

On my Feenstra Agriculture Tour, I have met with countless farmers and producers to discuss the upcoming Farm Bill and commonsense policies that will protect the productivity, profitability, and international competitiveness of Iowa agriculture. From maintaining like-kind exchange and step-up in basis to defending vital crop insurance programs, our farmers rely on economic certainty and policy consistency to feed and fuel our country and the world. However, based on my conversations with producers, one sector that requires additional and immediate attention is agricultural research and development.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, China allocates roughly $10 billion towards agriculture research and development, which is twice the amount that the United States spends. This trend is particularly alarming given that China imports billions of dollars’ worth of American agricultural products every year. In fact, just last fiscal year, China imported $36.4 billion in agricultural goods, underscoring the need to expand agricultural research here at home. If we are going to remain competitive in global markets and stop China from buying fertile American farmland, we must provide our nation’s brightest minds with the resources and support they need to power American agriculture and support Iowa farmers.

That’s why I introduced the Advancing Cutting Edge (ACE) Agriculture Act with my colleague Rep. Jimmy Panetta – who also serves on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee – to double funding from $50 million to $100 million for the Agriculture Research and Development Authority (AgARDA) administered through the USDA. AgARDA supports high-risk, high-reward projects that seek to lower input costs for farmers, increase crop yields, protect soil health, and mitigate the devastating impacts of severe weather. My legislation also expands the scope of the program to address animal and plant pathogens and pests that can harm farm productivity and study efforts to help farmers conserve water and combat drought.

Between deploying an illegal spy balloon over our sovereign airspace and infiltrating rural America through reckless farmland purchases, China will stop at nothing to destroy American global leadership and threaten our food security. In Congress, I will continue to stand up to China and demand that we invest in advanced agricultural research, which is vital to the success of our family farmers and rural main streets in Iowa.



HY-VEE DIETITIAN RECOMMENDS BEEF

Anne Cundiff is a Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian that helps regularly advise Hy-Vee dietetic customers on developing personalized nutrition plans, conducting community presentations, and providing nutrition counseling for various medical conditions.

The Iowa Beef Industry Council's collaboration with Hy-Vee Registered Dietitians like Anne Cundiff is a crucial step in promoting healthy eating habits among Hy-Vee dietetics customers. With the alarming rise of chronic diseases like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, it has become increasingly important to educate the public about the importance of a balanced diet that includes lean protein sources like beef.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, with obesity, heart disease, and diabetes being the most prevalent. The US obesity prevalence was 41.9% in 2017 – March 2020 while heart disease is the leading cause of deaths for men, women and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. Additionally, diabetes affects approximately 37 million Americans and is a leading cause of kidney failure, amputations, and blindness.

The link between nutrition and chronic disease is well established, with a balanced diet being a critical component of disease prevention and management. Lean protein sources like beef provide essential nutrients that are vital to maintaining good health, including protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. However, the quality and quantity of beef consumption are equally important, and that's where the collaboration between the Iowa Beef Industry Council and Hy-Vee Registered Dietitians comes in.

Anne Cundiff and other dietitians work closely with customers to create personalized nutrition plans that incorporate lean protein sources like beef, along with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. By working with Hy-Vee dietitian customers, they can address specific dietary needs and provide guidance on portion sizes, cooking techniques, and meal planning to promote optimal health and prevent chronic diseases.



Fact Sheet: USDA Continues Partner Engagement to Mitigate Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza for 2023 Season

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues efforts on many fronts to mitigate the latest outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the United States. This pervasive virus is carried in wild, migratory birds and typically peaks in the spring and summer months in the United States.

As part of USDA’s commitment to leave no stone unturned in this fight, on April 12, 2023, the department held a stakeholder roundtable with poultry industry leaders and state government officials to discuss the current and future HPAI strategy and opportunities for continued collaboration.

Participants had the opportunity to hear from USDA leaders including Acting Deputy Secretary Kevin Shea, Marketing and Regulatory Programs Under Secretary Jenny Moffitt and other experts from USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which is leading on biosecurity measures, and the Agricultural Research Service, which is testing a number of potential vaccines.

“Since the first case of HPAI was confirmed in a commercial flock in the U.S. in Feb. 2022, USDA has followed Secretary Vilsack’s clear direction to quickly identify cases and respond immediately to stop the virus from spreading,” said Shea. “Thanks to collaborative state and industry partnerships and enhanced national animal disease preparedness and response capabilities, we are successfully controlling this outbreak and mitigating its impact on U.S. poultry production and trade.”

The lessons learned since the last major HPAI outbreak are many and have reinforced the importance of biosecurity, enhanced surveillance and testing, and on-the-ground personnel to quickly respond to cases and prevent the disease’s spread. USDA has also achieved tremendous cost-savings during this outbreak – almost 50% over the last outbreak - while also working to secure regionalization agreements and keep markets open with key trading partners.

“All of these lessons learned have informed our current strategy of stamping out and eradicating HPAI – which continues to be the most effective strategy because it works,” said Moffitt. “For example, during the 2014-2015 outbreak, 70% of HPAI cases were attributed to lateral spread. Whereas in this outbreak, lateral spread has been reduced to 15%. But we need to remain vigilant, especially as wild birds continue to pose disease risks. We all must recognize the important role of biosecurity plays in limiting the impact of wild birds at farms and facilities.”

Some additional discussion points covered in the meeting include:
Outbreak status as of April 2023: Improved biosecurity measures by the commercial industry have vastly reduced the number of detections in the commercial sector. For example, in March 2022, there were a total of 51 commercial poultry HPAI detections. In March 2023, there were 7 commercial poultry detections, a decrease of 85% from the previous year. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) continues to work with state and industry partners on robust surveillance and the quick eradication of positive flocks, especially as we enter the warmer months when cases tend to increase.

Emphasis on biosecurity: Through a number of communications channels, including today’s convening, USDA continues collaborative efforts with poultry farmers and companies on education, training and implementation of comprehensive biosecurity measures.

Biosecurity is the best defense against HPAI and USDA strongly encourages all bird owners to review our resources, such as this factsheet, on managing wildlife to prevent avian influenza, evaluate their biosecurity plans, and develop a strategy to prevent any exposure to wild birds or their droppings.

Vaccine development update: APHIS regulates veterinary biologics, including animal vaccines. APHIS carefully reviews and approves vaccine candidates to ensure they are safe, potent, pure, effective and well-matched against the genetics of the current virus strain.

USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has begun avian influenza vaccination trials this month. ARS researchers are currently testing several vaccine candidates. Initial data from the animal study with a single dose of the vaccine are expected to be available in May 2023. The researchers expect to have two-dose vaccine challenge studies with results in June 2023.

Should the trials be successful, and should USDA elect to continue development, the next step is identifying manufacturers interested in vaccine production. Once one or more manufacturers are identified, there are 20 discrete stages to complete before vaccine delivery. These stages begin with feasibility work by the manufacturer and culminates with product label submission and review. General timeframes are 2.5-3 years; however, in emergency situations manufacturers may expedite development, resulting in a shortened timeframe to licensure.

From vaccine development to production timelines, to dissemination to flocks, there are many factors that make implementing a vaccine strategy a challenge and it would take time to deliver an effective vaccine. In a best case scenario, USDA estimates an 18-24 month timeline before having a vaccine that matches the currently circulating virus strain, is available in commercial quantities, and can be easily administered to commercial poultry.



NPPC Urges Quick Passage of the Beagle Brigade Act
 
The National Pork Producers Council supported the Beagle Brigade Act of 2023 (H.R. 1480 and S. 759), which was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Representatives Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA-02), Drew Ferguson (R-GA-03), Dan Kildee (D-MI-08) and Adrian Smith (R-NE-03), along with United States Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) reintroduced the legislation that would provide permanent authorization for United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Detector Dog Training Center.
 
Safe and reliable food production is critical to the national and economic security of the United States. The “Beagle Brigade” serves as the first line of defense for early detection at the nation’s ports of entry and is critical in keeping foreign animal diseases (FAD), like African swine fever, out of the United States. Located in Newnan, Georgia, the National Detector Dog Training Center is a vital program in training agricultural canine teams.
 
NPPC led over 50 agricultural and other organizations in supporting the Beagle Brigade Act’s reintroduction and urges Congress to pass the bipartisan bill quickly. NPPC thanks Representatives Bishop, Jr., Ferguson, Kildee and Smith and Senators Warnock and Ernst for recognizing the importance of this critical program.



Secretary Vilsack to Travel to Vietnam and Japan

United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will travel to Hanoi, Vietnam, and Miyazaki City, Japan, April 17-23, to engage with government counterparts and participate in the G7 Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting hosted by Japan.

Vietnam is a key Southeast Asian partner in the United States’ efforts to deepen trade, address food and nutrition insecurity, support agricultural innovation and combat climate change. While in Hanoi from April 17-19, the Secretary will meet with Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Lê Minh Hoan and Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyễn Hồng Diên. He will also meet with private sector trade partners who support U.S. agricultural imports, deliver a speech on USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities to students at the Foreign Trade University and visit the Vietnam Academy for Forest Sciences to highlight how the U.S. Forest Service and other U.S. government partners collaborate with the Government of Vietnam to prevent the illegal harvest and trade of timber.

Secretary Vilsack will then be in Japan April 21-23 for the G7 Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, once again standing with democratic partners to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and calling attention to the interrelationship among food and nutrition security, climate, sustainable productivity growth, innovation and trade. In addition to taking part in the ministerial, the Secretary will deliver the closing keynote at a climate-focused side event, highlighting the United States’ farmer-focused, voluntary, incentive-based approach to climate change adaptation and mitigation. 



National Trade Estimate Report Details Barriers to U.S. Exports
 
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released the 2023 National Trade Estimate Report (NTE) on Foreign Trade Barriers. The report details significant barriers to U.S. exports of goods and services, U.S. foreign direct investment and U.S. electronic commerce in important U.S. export markets.
 
Published annually since 1985, the NTE looks at barriers in 64 markets to which 99% of U.S. goods and 66% of U.S. services are exported. Among the trade obstacles considered are – import policies such as tariffs, technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, government procurement policies, intellectual property protections (or lack thereof) and subsidies.
 
Agricultural trade barriers highlighted in the report include:
  - Burdensome facility registration requirements
  - Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measure regulations
  - Non-science-based import licensing requirements
  - Lack of adherence to international science and risk-based standards

For example, China requires all food manufacturers, processors and storage facilities to be registered, and Mexico and the European Union have non-science-based policies restricting the use of agricultural biotechnology such as GMO crops.
 
U.S. agricultural exports are vital to America's farmers, ranchers and the overall U.S. economy, supporting about 1 million U.S. jobs.



Growth Energy Welcomes Senate Call for Stronger RFS

Growth Energy today praised a bipartisan letter from U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and 14 other Senate leaders calling for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to chart “a path that provides stability and growth for the U.S. biofuel sector.” The letter addresses EPA’s proposed rule setting renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2023-2025.
 
“A strong RFS, rooted in the best available science, remains the single most powerful tool this administration has for decarbonizing transportation while delivering savings at the pump,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We’re grateful to Senators Klobuchar, Grassley, and other rural champions for their ongoing efforts to ensure EPA unlocks the full potential of biofuels to reach our climate and energy security goals. The latest production cuts by Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members only reinforce how important it is to shield American drivers from continued global uncertainty. With an ambitious RFS, and unrestricted access to higher blends like E15, we can deliver greater security and savings for working families.”



Clean Fuels Applauds Senate Letter Urging Stronger RFS Volumes

Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America applauded a bipartisan letter from 16 Senators that calls on the Environmental Protection Agency to increase volumes for advanced biofuels and biomass-based diesel as it finalizes the Renewable Fuel Standards for 2023, 2024 and 2025 by June. The letter outlines several essential improvements to the rule that are needed to “give farmers and biofuel producers the confidence that the RFS is an EPA priority.”

“The final rule must increase the proposed volumes for advanced biofuels and biomass-based diesel fuels to accurately reflect market conditions,” the Senators emphasize in the letter. “The proposed volumes are inaccurate, would shrink the market, put nearly $5 billion near-term investments to increase crush capacity at risk, and destabilize the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). EPA’s proposal sets volumes lower than current blending levels—lower than the added capacity that is coming online in 2023 alone—and is inconsistent with estimates of production.”

A recent analysis by researchers at the University of Illinois and USDA’s Economic Research Service independently confirms a February projection from the Energy Information Administration that domestic renewable diesel capacity could more than double through 2025 to 5.9 billion gallons. EPA’s data show that U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel production increased by more than 500 million gallons in 2022. The growth is supported by investments of nearly $5 billion by oilseed processors to increase availability of vegetable oils and meal for domestic use. However, EPA has proposed to keep RFS biomass-based diesel requirements below 3 billion gallons through 2025.

“The clean fuels industry thanks the bipartisan group of Senators for highlighting to EPA Administrator Regan that biofuels lower fuel prices and strengthen economies across rural America,” stated Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs with Clean Fuels. “The biodiesel and renewable diesel industry is providing a crucial supply of fuel that is needed to keep consumer prices in check right now. The growth of the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry is also bolstering confidence among farmers and rural communities for their economic future.”

“We especially thank Senators Amy Klobuchar and Chuck Grassley for leading this letter,” Kovarik added.

In addition to Sens. Klobuchar (D-MN) and Grassley (R-IA), the letter is signed by Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Sherrod Brown (R-OH), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Roger Marshall, MD (R-KS), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Gary Peters (D-MI), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Tina Smith (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and John Thune (R-SD). The letter is available for download.

Last week, Purdue University and CME Group published the Ag Economic Barometer, measuring farmer sentiment for the coming year. One bright spot in the analysis is the outlook for growth in the renewable diesel and biodiesel industry, which could add value to farm commodities like soybeans.

In November 2022, Clean Fuels published a new study, “Economic Impact of Biodiesel on the U.S. Economy 2022,” conducted by LMC International. The study finds that based on 2021 market data, the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry produced 3.1 billion gallons and generated $23.2 billion in economic activity, while supporting 75,200 jobs paying $3.6 billion in annual wages in the United States. For every 100-million-gallon increase in domestic clean fuel production, the direct, indirect and induced economic activity increases by $1.09 billion and U.S. jobs grow by 3,185. The largest economic and employment benefits occurred in the farming, oilseed processing, and fuel production sectors.

The study further calculates that producing 6 billion gallons of clean fuels in the United States would increase overall economic activity from the current $23.2 billion to $61.6 billion and support 187,003 jobs earning $8.8 billion in wages. The construction of additional capacity would increase economic activity by an added $4.3 billion and support an additional 144,500 related temporary jobs earning $5.8 billion in wages.



Clean Fuels Thanks House Members for Urging EPA to Raise RFS Volumes

Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America welcomed a bipartisan letter from 37 Representatives urging the Environmental Protection Agency “to increase blending targets for biomass-based diesel to levels that account for industry growth” as it finalizes the Renewable Fuel Standards for 2023, 2024 and 2025 by June. The letter emphasizes that the set rule is “an opportunity to facilitate further growth in this critical sector” but expresses concern “that the proposed RVOs for advanced biofuels, particularly biomass-based diesel, represent a step in the wrong direction.”

“Expansion and investments throughout the biomass-based diesel value chain have been vast over the past several years, in large part because of support from the federal government,” the Representatives write, noting increased investments through USDA’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program and the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge.

EPA’s own data show that U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel production increased by more than 500 million gallons in 2022. With industry investments, domestic renewable diesel capacity could more than double to 5.9 billion gallons by 2025, according to independent analyses by the University of Illinois and USDA’s Economic Research Service and the Energy Information Administration. The planned growth is supported by investments of nearly $5 billion by oilseed processors to increase availability of vegetable oils and meal for domestic use.

“The proposed RVOs do not acknowledge these investments on the ground, undercutting these expansions and unnecessarily putting them at risk — a potential blow to rural economies across the country.” the Representatives continue.

“The clean fuels industry thanks the bipartisan group of Congress members for prompting EPA to support industry growth and investment that are aimed at achieving the goals of the RFS,” stated Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs with Clean Fuels. “The biodiesel and renewable diesel industry is meeting 5 percent of the nation’s demand for heavy-duty fuels and is helping keep consumer prices in check right now. Increased production and use of these advanced biofuels supports energy security, economic opportunities, and environmental benefits.”

“We especially thank Representatives Ashley Hinson of Iowa and Angie Craig of Minnesota for leading this letter,” Kovarik added. The letter is available for download.

In November 2022, Clean Fuels published a new study, “Economic Impact of Biodiesel on the U.S. Economy 2022,” conducted by LMC International. The study finds that based on 2021 market data, the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry produced 3.1 billion gallons and generated $23.2 billion in economic activity, while supporting 75,200 jobs paying $3.6 billion in annual wages in the United States. For every 100-million-gallon increase in domestic clean fuel production, the direct, indirect and induced economic activity increases by $1.09 billion and U.S. jobs grow by 3,185. The largest economic and employment benefits occurred in the farming, oilseed processing, and fuel production sectors.

The study further calculates that producing 6 billion gallons of clean fuels in the United States would increase overall economic activity from the current $23.2 billion to $61.6 billion and support 187,003 jobs earning $8.8 billion in wages. The construction of additional capacity would increase economic activity by an added $4.3 billion and support an additional 144,500 related temporary jobs earning $5.8 billion in wages.